In the fast-paced world of electric scooters, motor power is one of the key features that sets a Mukuta scooter apart from the rest. It directly affects the scooter's speed, acceleration, and ability to tackle challenging terrains.
When choosing your first Mukuta electric scooter, it’s easy to get bewildered by electrical ratings. Volts? Watts? Brushless DC Motors? Need one motor or two? What is peak power, and why does it matter? Do all electric scooters have brushless DC hub motors?
We’ll answer these questions in our beginner’s guide to electric scooter motors below.
Two Types of Electric Scooter Motors
# Brushless DC Motors & Brushed DC Motors
Electric scooters use two motor types. Both are DC (Direct Current). You will see the terms brushless (BLDC) motor as well as brushed motors a lot when reading about e-scooters.
- Brushless DC Motors: BLDC, short for Brushless DC Motors, is the newer technology, and it has better performance than DC brushed motors. The brushless motors are quieter, more efficient, don't overheat as easily, run longer, and pack a bigger overall punch. The brushless motor will be the most quality e-scooter option.
- Brushed DC Motors: The brushed DC motor is an old technology from the 1800s. In this type of electric motor, there are mechanical brushes, usually made of graphite, dragging along inside of the motor making sliding electrical contact with successive segments, and coil phases, alternatively as the rotor turns. The brushes eventually wear down from friction which can disrupt the voltage making it act irregularly.
# Chain-drive Motors & Hub Motors
Chain-drive motors have some energy loss due to the friction that chains and gears produce. Hub motors are not affected by it. Chain-drive motors are more expensive than hub motors and are less heavy than hub motors. However, hub motors may provide less torque due to the absence of gears. Lower climbing angles and peak speeds will be the effect of it.
There is no additional complex system for hub motors. Therefore, hub motors require less maintenance, are simpler to fix, and have fewer breakdowns. Hub motors have the potential to use less energy.
Hub motors come in two main types: geared hub motors and gearless hub motors.
- Geared Hub Motors: The geared hub motor will typically be less powerful. However, because of the leverage the gears provide, a less powerful motor can make it more energy-efficient and in fact, produce more power.
- Pros: Longer range, faster acceleration, and better gradability.
- Cons: More friction means more wear, so more repairs and a shorter lifespan.
- Gearless Hub Motors: Direct drive or gearless hub motors can generally generate more motor power which translates to higher top speed. They are usually a bit heavier than a geared motor and have slower acceleration but once in motion, they build and maintain speed very efficiently. It being heavier is not as big of an issue on an electric scooter than f.e. an electric bike, since the extra weight adds stability.
- Pros: Longer range, faster acceleration, and better gradability.
- Cons: They are less complex and not that much can go wrong with them. Regenerative braking is possible because of the use of electromagnets in a gearless hub motor.
The Basics: Motor Power
# Volts
Voltage measures how much current can push through to the motor. A higher voltage motor will generally be more efficient. An electric scooter motor's voltage correlates with the voltage of its controller and battery, and all work together to deliver power most efficiently.
Some of the most common voltages for electric scooters are 24V, 36V, 48V, 52V, 60V and 72V. Mukuta's current models mainly include 60V (Mukuta 10 plus), 52V (Mukuta 10 Lite), and 48V (Mukuta 8 and 9 series). In general, higher voltage electrical systems generate more power for faster acceleration, more torque, and a higher top speed.
# Watts
Watts is a measure of power consumption or the amount of power that a motor can consume. In general, a higher motor watt rating will mean faster acceleration, higher load limit, and higher top speeds.
Motor wattage offers one key indicator of motor performance, but it's not the only one. Two motors rated with the same wattage can perform very differently in the real world in terms of acceleration and hill climbing ability, for example. Watts tells you how much power an electric motor can take, but not how much power output it can generate in return.
# Nominal Power & Peak Power
1. Nominal Power Consumption
Nominal power, also called continuous power, is the amount of motor power an electric scooter motor can safely consume for an extended period without overheating or incurring damage. Like "horsepower," watts are an imprecise measurement, and manufacturers can measure motor wattage differently.
2. Peak Power Consumption
Peak power consumption refers to the amount of power a motor can consume in shorter bursts of high intensity. Most quality electric scooters list their motor power rating in two figures: Nominal (or continuous) power and Peak power. Generally, the higher the rated peak power, the faster an electric scooter will accelerate and climb hills, so paying attention to this number is important.
# Torque
Torque describes the twisting force produced by a turning motor, and it's the force that turns the wheels and makes the scooter move. Torque is measured in Newton meters (NM) or foot-pounds. Most electric scooters, however, don't list a motor's torque (though some might describe their vehicles as "torquey").
Torque is calculated by multiplying the Newtons of force exerted by the meters of distance from the axis. Torque = Force x Radius. You can also estimate torque by dividing the motor power by max revolutions per second. Stall torque is where DC motors produce max torque, at zero revolutions per second, and zero torque at the max unloaded revolutions per second.
# Speed and Acceleration
The type of motor an electric scooter can impact acceleration and top speed. For example, a dual-motor scooter will generally have faster acceleration and a higher top speed than a single-motor scooter. An electric scooter's voltage can also affect speed and acceleration, as can the size of its battery cells and the efficient operation of its motor controller.
# Hill Climbing
Higher-wattage motors and motors with higher torque are better equipped to handle steep inclines. Dual-motor power will pretty much always get you over hills faster than single-motor power.
It's important to consider the climate, the terrain you'll be riding, and the weight of the rider when choosing an electric scooter motor. If you plan on tackling hills frequently or riding in adverse conditions, it's best to opt for a scooter with a higher wattage motor, higher peak power rating, and higher torque.
# Single Motor Electric Scooters
Single-motor scooters use one DC electric motor mounted in either the front or rear wheel.
1. Front Hub Motors
As the name suggests, front-mounted DC electric motors are mounted inside the front wheel of an electric scooter. Scooters with front hub motors tend to also have relatively low wattage and rarely rate above 500W for continuous power.
2. Rear Hub Motors
Electric scooters with rear hub motors tend to have better traction on wet or slippery roads, and they also tend to have better hill climbing ability than scooters with front hub motors. This is because front hub motors tend to do more pulling than pushing, with the weight of the scooter and rider creating unwanted drag.
Since riders mostly plant their weight over the rear wheel, especially when stopping or climbing hills, a rear wheel drive scooter will tend to have more stability and be less prone to spinning out in wet conditions.
# Dual Motor Electric Scooters
Dual hub motors give an electric scooter twice the power for exceptional climbing and faster acceleration. Most dual-hub motor electric scooters cost over $1,000, but Mukuta's latest 10 Lite is equipped with dual 1,000W motors and, more importantly, costs only $999.
Dual-motor scooters usually require a larger battery capacity. Equipped with a powerful 52V 18.2Ah battery and powerful 1000W dual motors, the Mukuta 10 Lite offers great performance and long range at an affordable price.
Most Common Motor Power Ratings
# Entry-Level and Commuter Scooters: 350-600W
Entry-level and commuter electric scooters, designed for short commutes or leisurely rides around town, often have motors in the 350-600W range.
Who’s it for: These scooters are great for those on a budget or those who don't need a lot of power for their daily rides, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be plenty powerful.
High-quality electric scooters with motors rated between 350-600W can typically reach speeds of 18-20mph, accelerate quickly, and climb relatively steep inclines with ease, such as the Mukuta8 series.
# Intermediate and Long-Range Commuters: 700W-1000W
Scooters with motor power ratings between 700W and 1000W are typically intermediate vehicles with fast acceleration, high speeds over 20 mph, and longer ranges than entry-level or basic commuter scooters.
For example, the Mukuta 9plus is equipped with 700W*2 power, and the Mukuta 10Lite is equipped with 1000W*2 power. These scooters all have greater climbing power, can usually withstand higher weight limits, and glide on rough terrain.
# Premium and Performance Scooters: 1000W+-3000W+
Electric scooters with motors rated at over 1000W are typically dual-motor performance scooters with very high top speeds (40-50mph), race-worthy acceleration, and off-road abilities.
Examples of this category include the Mukuta 10plus dual hub motor e-scooter, which is equipped with dual 2*1400W brushless motors, giving it a top speed of 46mph, and single/dual drive can be switched freely. It is equipped with a 60V20.8AH/25.6AH Samsung high-capacity lithium-ion battery, which can provide a long-distance mileage of up to 62/74 miles.
How Much E-Scooter Motor Power Do You Need?
Do you require an electric scooter for everyday commuting needs? If so, you should not choose a model with less than 300 watts of power. This is because you will not be able to travel on steep hills.
You should also consider your weight when choosing the motor type. You should get a scooter with a high power rating if you are a plus-sized individual. A high power rating typically ensures that the scooter needs a bigger battery. This contributes to the scooter’s weight and increases its maximum holding capacity. But along with it, Motors with higher voltage tend to be more efficient and have higher torque for more power over hills and faster acceleration.
If you are not sure what type of electric scooter is right for you, please feel free to contact us and we will be glad to help you.
Conclusion
This is everything you need to know about the motors of electric scooters. When buying your best model, you must consider various factors to make an informed decision. These include the motor’s power, maximum capacity of the scooter, weight, and much more.
The motor in the Mukuta Electric Scooter is the perfect balance of power, efficiency, and innovation. Whether you're looking for a daily commuting solution or an exciting way to explore on the weekends, Mukuta’s motor performance will ensure your ride is fast, smooth, and full of adventure. With a powerful motor under the deck, Mukuta offers riders the confidence to tackle any road ahead.
Once you understand the motor system of an electric scooter, you can easily choose the suitable model for your commuting or racing needs. So be sure to read this guide thoroughly.